Idiopathic horner syndrome in the golden retriever.

OBJECTIVES

Various reports have noted a high incidence of idiopathic Horner syndrome in golden retriever dogs. The author seeks to document this condition in the breed.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective study was made of cases of Horner syndrome in dogs referred to the author throughout a 10-year period. As part of the general clinical, ophthalmic, and neurologic examination, denervation hypersensitivity testing was performed to localize the responsible lesion. Follow-up results were obtained in all cases by repeat examination or telephone contact.

RESULTS

Of 155 dogs in the study, 110 were golden retrievers, 100 of which were diagnosed as having idiopathic second order Horner syndrome. Ninety-five of the golden retrievers were male, some neutered. Signs resolved spontaneously in all cases within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high incidence of idiopathic second order Horner syndrome in the male golden retriever.